OFFICIAL: After Destroying Arsenal, Premier League Side Liverpool Announce Signing Of This Player From Leipzig (Pictured)



Liverpool have agreed a club-record deal to sign RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita, with the player officially joining on 1 July 2018.

The Reds have agreed to pay the £48m release clause that will allow him to move next summer, plus an undisclosed premium.

The 22-year-old had been one of Jurgen Klopp’s primary targets this summer, but Leipzig had refused to sell.

The deal will surpass the £35m paid to Newcastle for Andy Carroll in 2011.

The German side finished second behind champions Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga last season, allowing them to qualify for the Champions League group stages.

Last month, the club’s owner Dietrich Mateschitz said they had rejected a 75m euro (£66m) bid for Keita and the player “still has a contract and he will fulfil it”.

So far this summer, Liverpool have signed winger Mohamed Salah from Roma for £34m, full-back Andrew Robertson from Hull for £8m and striker Dominic Solanke after his contract at Chelsea expired.

The Anfield club are also prepared to test Monaco’s resolve to keep midfielder Thomas Lemar with an offer of about £60m before Thursday’s transfer deadline.

Mourinho using three at the back could unleash Lukaku and Rashford together

Mourinho deflecting from last season's woes

Jose Mourinho was adamant before and after Manchester United's first game of the summer, against LA Galaxy, that his switch to a back three was just a trial.

He used it against FC Rostov in the Europa League last season, and matched Chelsea's 3-4-3 on another occasion.

After watching his team dismantle the MLS side 5-2 on Saturday, he suggested he could use it more often, but that "usually" it would be back four.

It is telling, though, that he didn't waste any time making the switch. The players started preseason training on Monday but spent two days, Thursday and Friday, working on the new formation.

Logic suggests you work on your primary system first with variations eased in later on. Maybe Mourinho is just keeping his cards close to his chest.

It was a surprise when MUTV revealed ahead of the game at the StubHub Center in Carson that the team would start with three at the back. But it does make sense.

To play 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 regularly you need a lot of centre-backs. And Mourinho, at the moment, has eight. Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Daley Blind started the first half against Galaxy. Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe and new signing Victor Lindelof came on for the second half.

Timothy Fosu-Mensah can play there, too. So can Marcos Rojo, although he is still recovering from knee ligament surgery.

You also need players capable of playing at wing-back. You can argue Antonio Valencia is already doing a similar job, raiding up and down the right.

Luke Shaw, with his attacking instincts, might be better off as a left wing-back and there is plenty of cover in Jesse Lingard, Ashley Young, Matteo Darmian and Demetri Mitchell.

The system is named after how the defence is organised. But more exciting is how it would allow United to attack.

Mourinho used 3-5-2 in both halves against Galaxy with Juan Mata and Marcus Rashford furthest forward in the first 45 minutes and Anthony Martial and Romelu Lukaku in the second.

But the United boss suggested afterwards that Rashford and Lukaku could play together as a front two. There is a chance he could try it later on the tour of the US.

Lukaku's physicality and Rashford's pace would scare most Premier League defences. Putting more strikers on the pitch is an obvious solution to the goalscoring problem that plagued last season.

There are downsides. If Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera and a new holding midfielder are the preferred midfielder three, where do Martial, Mata and Henrikh Mkhitaryan play? Mkhitaryan, in particular, would be a big miss.

Shaun Clark/Getty Images

United have been here before.

They came to California for the 2014 tour and Louis van Gaal used 3-5-2 in his first game -- again against LA Galaxy. The Dutchman had success with it while in charge of Netherlands at the World Cup and started the Premier League season with the same formation.

But he had inherited a squad that had been built to play with four at the back and his players never looked comfortable, winning just one of their first six games in all competitions. It was ditched soon afterwards, although it did reappear from time to time.

During a game at QPR in January that season, the travelling United fans chanted "4-4-2" at Van Gaal after he had reverted to a back three.

In 2014-15, Van Gaal was something of a pioneer in the Premier League but last season the three-man defence became fashionable.

Chelsea won the league after Antonio Conte switched his formation to 3-4-3 in October. Both United and Tottenham beat Chelsea after matching their system. And by the time Arsene Wenger changed the way Arsenal played in April, 17 of the 20 Premier League teams had tried a variation of three at the back at least once.

The Premier League has seen broad tactical trends move from 4-4-2, to five-man midfields and now on to three-man defences. Last season, Chelsea became the first team to win the title playing in that way.

Mourinho has spent than 15 years perfecting the art of an organised 4-4-3. And he insists United will not stray too far from that next season. But as he found out against LA Galaxy on Saturday, he has the players to do something different. Something that worked well in the Premier League last season.

That it would allow United to play both Lukaku and Rashford in their best positions and is an added bonus

Arsenal are set to sign the highly rated midfielder for a hefty sum.

Arsene Wenger is ready to break the bank to bring more quality to the Gunners. 

What’s the story?

Arsenal are making waves in the transfer market again and according to reports from the Daily Express, the Gunners have agreed for the transfer of Thomas Lemar from AS Monaco for a fee of £48m plus bonuses. The Gunners have already broken their transfer record this summer having signed Alexandre Lacazette for £52.7m from Olympique Lyon, but are looking for further additions to fortify their attack.

In case you didn’t know...

The Gunners have been in pursuit of the 21-year-old for a while. They have had two of their bids £30m and £40m rejected earlier. Arsene Wenger, however, seems to have buckled down as Arsenal have now upped their offer which has finally convinced AS Monaco to send their star winger to London.

Lemar had earlier expressed interest in playing in the Premier League and was reportedly disgruntled with the Ligue 1 champions for standing in his way.

Arsenal are currently away on their pre-season tour and will not announce the signing of Thomas Lemar until they’ve returned. Reports suggest that AS Monaco has requested the Gunners to refrain from making an unveiling until they have found a replacement for the Frenchman.

The heart of the matter

With Alexis Sanchez’s departure looking likely, Wenger has been exploring his options. The 67-year-old Frenchman had earlier said that he’ll roll the red carpet out for Lemar’s teammate Kylian Mbappe if he chooses to join the Gunners.

Thomas Lemar is a big fan of Arsene Wenger and had expressed his wish to work with the venerable veteran. The impressive winger mustered 14 goals and 14 assists in all competitions in the 2016/17 season. Out of 12 Champions League appearances for the Monaco side, the Frenchman scored twice and assisted four times in what was an impressive campaign for his club.

Lemar is known for his versatility and can play on both wings and even fill in gaps in the centre. With a wide range of skills up his sleeve, the youngster never shies away from testing the goalkeeper from range and has a mean left foot to go with it. He is also a solid set-piece taker and  that’s a skill which will come in handy in England. The pacey and strong forward can also proffer swivelling crosses from the flanks and at 21, is yet to reach his peak.

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Author’s take

Alexis Sanchez has explicitly told the media that he wants a move away from Arsenal. Even though Arsene Wenger is hopeful that he can convince the Chilean to stay at the Emirates and honour his contract, Alexis is likely to turn down a new deal. Thomas Lemar is an exciting prospect and was very impressive with his showings, especially in the final stages of the Champions League. With the arrival of Lemar, the Gunners can finally heave a sigh of relief and put a lot of their summer woes to rest

Jose Mourinho making quality Manchester United signings but is yet to address his biggest problem

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho

This has been a summer of improvisation for Manchester United. More than once, they have been forced to switch transfer targets, shifting priorities and shuffling their aims.

Antoine Griezmann quickly became Alvaro Morata, only for Morata to ultimately become Romelu Lukaku. Nemanja Matic might still morph into Fabinho or somebody else, too.

Indeed, United have needed to be quick on their toes this summer. Despite this deficiencies have been addressed, with Lukaku signed as a direct replacement for Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Victor Lindelof secured to fill a problem area at centre back.

Ivan Perisic is also expected to arrive over the next week or so to add another option to the frontline.

But for all this progress, Mourinho has so far failed to address Man Utd’s most pressing need. They desperately require a successor to Michael Carrick.

The 35-year-old might have signed a new deal to extend his stay at Old Trafford by another season, but there must be a succession plan for when the newly-appointed captain retires. At present, there isn’t one.

“It’s a pity he is not 25,” Mourinho said about Carrick last season. “It’s a pity you can’t stop the clock. In five years Messi will be 34 and we will all be crying that he is 34. Michael is a very good player and one who will be very difficult to replace.” Rather than trying to replace Carrick, however, Mourinho doesn’t appear to have even tried.

Fabinho and Matic have both been targeted, but neither truly fit the mould of someone like Carrick, a pass-master, a pace-setter. This might be indicative of the team Mourinho is building at United, putting physicality ahead of all else, but he mustn’t underestimate just how important a player of such qualities is to everything he hopes to achieve at Old Trafford.

Mourinho earned a level of trust, from United’s fans and the club itself, after his transfer market success last summer. The signings of Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Eric Bailly and Henrikh Mkhitaryan were more than vindicated over the course of the season. In fact, those four quickly became Man Utd’s four best players.

And so Ed Woodward has seemingly handed complete transfer market control to the Portuguese, something that hasn’t happened at Old Trafford since the days of Sir Alex Ferguson. Mourinho decides who comes in and who goes out. He has authority over the transfer strategy of the club, even if that means spending as much as £45 million on someone like Perisic.

Yet there is still no sign of a pass-master general being signed. There are other deficiencies for Mourinho to address too, with United still somewhat light in the full back areas, but Carrick is arguably the most important player at the club. At his age, he shouldn’t be, but that’s the situation Man Utd have worked themselves into.

Of course, rumours have circulated that Mourinho could make a bid of up to £50 million for Eric Dier. He is a midfielder in the mould of someone like Carrick and could follow the precedent set by the United veteran, tracing the path from Spurs to Old Trafford. This at least suggests Mourinho is aware of the need to replace Carrick.

It shouldn’t be about one style of midfielder over the other, though. Man Utd need both a midfield enforcer and a pass-master. Taking into account that it would likely cost somewhere in the region of £100 million to sign two players of the necessary quality and mould, on top of the £110 million already splurged by the Old Trafford side this summer, that seems improbable.

Mourinho is one of the easiest coaches in world football to characterise. His teams are always built on strength and physical attributes, and there are signs he is now doing the same thing at United. The signing of Lukaku hinted at it, as does the ostracisation of Anthony Martial. But the prioritisation of Matic over Dier is perhaps the biggest hint of them all.

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BRANN WINS

2,10

Jose Mourinho to rotate Man Utd goalkeepers during pre-season

Sergio Romero (L) and David de Gea (R) during a first-team training session

Jose Mourinho has revealed he plans to rotate his three goalkeepers during the pre-season tour in the US in a big vote of confidence for Joel Pereira.

The 21-year-old Pereira, who made his first-team debut in January, signed a contract extension last week which keeps him at Manchester United until the summer of 2021, with the option of a further year.

Mourinho rates Pereira highly, tipping him to become "the best Portuguese goalkeeper of the next generation" and he will be given an opportunity to play with the first team during the preseason.

The United boss revealed David de Gea split time with Pereira in United's first match against LA Galaxy on Sunday.

Sergio Romero and Pereira will share goalkeeping duties against Real Salt Lake on July 18 with De Gea and Romero rotating against Manchester City on July 21.

Joel Pereira is being tipped for big things by Jose Mourinho

"The first match, Romero does not play," Mourinho told MUTV. "We play David for 45 and the kid [Pereira] for 45.

"In the second match, David does not play. We play the kid for 45 and Romero for 45. The third match against Man City, we don't play Joel. We will play David for 45 and Romero for 45."

Pereira made his Premier League debut for United on the final day of last season as he started in a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.

Sam Johnstone spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa

He has moved ahead of Sam Johnstone, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, in the pecking order at Old Trafford.

Johnstone did not travel to the US and Villa are close to agreeing a deal for him to return next season, Sky sources understand.

Another young United goalkeeper, Dean Henderson, who was part of the England squad that won the Under-20 World Cup in the summer, has joined League One side Shrewsbury Town on loan for the 2017/18 season.

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Jose Mourinho decides who he wants to play left-back for Man Utd this season

Luke Shaw had a torrid season under Jose Mourinho .

Most Manchester United players will have welcomed Jose Mourinho's appointment a little over a year ago.

Old Trafford was not a happy camp during Louis van Gaal's last season in charge.

There were complaints about the team's playing style, and the Dutchman's man-management left a lot to be desired.

Of course, the squad had LVG to thank for helping them to an FA Cup winners' medal, but they also missed out on the top four.

The arrival of Mourinho was a fresh start. Quite a few United players had been left out in the cold by van Gaal, and the Portuguese taking the helm gave them an opportunity to rejuvenate their careers.

If Luke Shaw thought any of that, then he could not have been more wrong.

The England international suffered a horrific leg break in 2015, ruling him out for 10 months. His return coincided with Mourinho's first pre-season and to be fair, he gave Shaw a chance to impress.

Unfortunately, it was a thoroughly disappointing campaign for the left-back.

Shaw vs. Mourinho 

Mourinho probably didn't help matters by publicly humiliating him on a regular basis.

"He had a good performance but it was his body with my brain," he said, per the Telegraph, after the defender impressed against Everton back in April.

With relations between the manager and player at such a low ebb, it seemed almost inevitable he would be sold this summer.

Shaw, Marcos Rojo, Matteo Darmian, and Daley Blind have all tried to solve Mourinho's left-back headache, but none seemed to do quite enough.

However, with United's Premier League season starting in exactly a month today, the Red Devils boss has had to make a decision on which player will be his first choice.

Shaw's future decided 

A move for Barcelona's Jordi Alba is now off the cards, as he only wanted to leave the Nou Camp because of former manager Luis Enrique.

So, if United have to persevere with their current players, who will they be operating with next season?

Amazingly, it's expected to be Shaw.

The Manchester Evening News report Mourinho has told the 22-year-old he will be given every opportunity to cement his place, regardless of whether he is fit for the season opener against West Ham.

Realistically, it's unlikely that he'll appear in that game, as he is still suffering from the ankle ligament injury he sustained towards the end of last term.

When he signed for the club in 2014 in a £27million deal, the former Southampton man was thought to be one of English football's most promising left-backs.

Despite all the negative comments, it seems Mourinho actually agrees

Ghanaian Footballer Solomon Nyantakyi Admits Murdering His Mother and Sister

Former Parma player Solomon Nyantakyi has confessed to the murder of his mother and 11-year-old sister.

Per AS, the Ghanaian admitted to the crime on Wednesday after being stopped by police at Milan train station, having fled his home upon killing his mother Nfum Patience, 43, and sister, Magdalene Nyantakyi on Tuesday night.

According to The Sun's Andrew Richardson, his brother, Raymond Nyantakyi, discovered their bodies stabbed to death after returning home from work.

The Sun also shared the Italian state police's tweet regarding Nyantaki's confession:

From Paul Pogba to Romelu Lukaku: Jose Mourinho's giants at Manchester United

An in-depth look at how the Portuguese's penchant for imposing players has resurfaced at Old Trafford

How Jose Mourinho's penchant for imposing players in resurfacing at Manchester United

After Manchester United completed the signing of Romelu Lukaku, we examine whether the Belgian underlines Jose Mourinho's preference of physically imposing players and what this means for United going forward.

Throughout his career at Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and United, Mourinho has delivered success and trophies - 25 to be exact.

Yet for all that success, the Portuguese's teams are often remembered as much, if not more, for their physicality and power over style and flare.

The domineering characters of Didier Drogba, Ricardo Carvalho, Nemanja Matic and Diego Costa, to name a few, were all signed by Mourinho at Chelsea and went on to play integral roles in his title-winning squads.

And, midway through his third transfer window at United, Mourinho's penchant for players of stature looks stronger than ever before.

His first window saw giants Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba join the club, with the acquisition of the diminutive Henrikh Mkhitaryan an exception.

Having offloaded players in January, Mourinho has continued in the same vein as last summer, bringing in the tall, powerful figures of Victor Lindelof and Lukaku.

From the shortest, Ryan Fraser, to the tallest, Peter Crouch, here's where Mourinho's signings rank compared to the Premier League's average height

It means that of the six signings Mourinho has brought to United, Mkhitaryan is the only one who does not exceed the current average height of an outfield Premier League player - 182cm.

Excluding goalkeepers, these acquisitions have taken the average height of United's squad up to 184cm, joint second in the Premier League behind West Brom and Watford (both 185cm), and level with Stoke and champions Chelsea.

Average height of PL squads (excl. goalkeepers)

185cmWest Brom, Watford184cmStoke, Chelsea, Man Utd183cmSouthampton, Burnley, Tottenham, West Ham, 
Huddersfield, Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Newcastle182cmBrighton, Swansea, Leicester, Liverpool181cmEverton, Bournemouth180cmMan City

It will therefore come as no surprise that Mourinho's teams tend to tower over those of predecessor Louis van Gaal, who fielded an XI with an average height of 183.9cm as his tenure at the club ended with victory in the FA Cup final.

Louis van Gaal's final United XI clocked in with an average height of 183.9cm

By contrast, the final game of Mourinho's first season at United, the Europa League final, saw a side that averaged 184.3cm go on to lift the trophy, a figure which would have been far greater had injured trio Ibrahimovic, Bailly and Marcos Rojo been available in Stockholm.

Mourinho's Europa League final winning side were, on average, 0.4cm taller than Van Gaal's FA Cup winners

Mourinho often turned to the aerial prowess of Marouane Fellaini in his debut season at Old Trafford, despite the Belgian receiving criticism from fans while Van Gaal was at the helm.

The notion that Mourinho favours taller players gathers more weight when we examine those linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer.

Where reported United targets Ivan Perisic and Nemanja Matic rank against the Premier League average height

The rangy figure of Matic has been tipped to reunite with Mourinho at United, while a move for Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic has also been mooted.

As a result, the completion of such signings which could drastically increase the average height of United's squad and potential starting line-ups next season.

Should Mourinho complete the signings of Matic and Perisic, this gigantic XI could be at his disposal next term

But how does Mourinho's transfer policy translate onto the pitch? Well, you only have to look back at the stats from last season where the Portuguese oversaw a drastic upturn in United's aerial statistics.

In attack and defence, the Old Trafford club's tallies registered in Van Gaal's final term were bettered in Mourinho's maiden campaign.

United saw a 100 per cent increase in headed shots, rising from 38 in 15/16 to 76 in 16/17, while headed shots on target rose from 11 to 23, a 109.09 per cent rise. As a result, more headed goals were scored, an 80 per cent increase from five to nine.

There was a marked improvement in aerial duels too, with a 24.6 per cent rise in those won and an 11.97 per cent decrease in those lost.

What's more, the ability of those in the air came to the fore to deliver a spike in United's crossing stats, with crossing accuracy from open play up 44.7 per cent and accuracy from corners up 22.6 per cent.

Mourinho oversaw a drastic upturn in United's aerial statistics last season

Europa League and League Cup victories, together with Champions League qualification, in his first term at Old Trafford certainly vindicate Mourinho's approach both in the transfer market and on the field.

Signings of the same ilk as those already brought to the club, coupled with another year under the Portuguese's authority, and it's a ploy which could well lead Mourinho and United to yet more success.

Conor McGregor destroyed Floyd Mayweather with a vicious 'you can't even read' line

The second press conference of the Floyd Mayweather-Conor McGregor was an all-out attack on Mayweather. And it got very personal.

To the delight of the McGregor-friendly crowd in Toronto on Wednesday, the UFC star got in a zone and blasted Mayweather for his outfit all as a setup for the brutal punchline. He mocked Mayweather’s much-rumored illiteracy.

And it came out of nowhere. You can watch the video here.

McGregor said:

“Life is so (expletive) good. How do I look? What the (expletive) is he wearing? He looks like a little breakdancer or something, a little 12-year-old breakdancer, (expletive)! What the (expletive)? He’s 40! You’re 40 years of age. Dress your (expletive) age. Carrying a schoolbag on stage. What you doing with a schoolbag on stage? You can’t even read!

“Forty years old carrying a schoolbag. The man doesn’t even (expletive) read.”

When McGregor said that, the crowd went absolutely crazy. Sure, there’s always the personal attacks and insults during boxing (and UFC) press conferences, but that line from McGregor was unexpected, especially after Tuesday’s tame-by-comparison press conference in Los Angeles.

Through the onslaught though, Mayweather kept a stoic face and waited his turn to speak. But really, there was no coming back from that.

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Adnan Januzaj Completes Transfer to Real Sociedad from Manchester United

Real Sociedad completed the signing of Adnan Januzaj from Manchester United on Wednesday. 

United wished the 22-year-old winger well on Twitter:

Januzaj joined United's youth academy from Anderlecht in 2011 and impressed as a teenager in his first senior appearances for the Red Devils under manager David Moyes in the 2013-14 season.

However, his progress has stalled in the years since. He endured a miserable loan spell at Borussia Dortmund in 2015-16, which was ended early due to a lack of game time.

In 2016-17, he spent a season on loan at Sunderland, making 25 Premier League appearances and returning three assists as the Black Cats were relegated.

Januzaj will be desperate to revitalise his career at La Real, and a move to La Liga could be beneficial.

He has plenty of ability and boasts a number of key assets that could mean he thrives in the Spanish game, including pace, close-ball control and fine link-up play.

But Januzaj will need game time if he is to make progress and will need to impress La Real manager Eusebio Sacristan early if he is to hit the ground running at his new club

Chelsea's next captain: Cahill, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Hazard or Fabregas?

Chelsea's transfer window so far has been underwhelming but is it bad enough to hurt their aspirations for the upcoming season?

The guys answer your tweets on Chelsea and Liverpool's combined poor transfer window, and a Gab v Stevie wrestling match.

Julien Laurens says that while Chelsea will be pleased with Antonio Rudiger, he was not a priority signing for Antonio Conte.

Chelsea continued the trend of unique transfer announcements with Antonio Rudiger, who was unveiled in the team shop.

John Terry is gone, and for the first time since 2004, Chelsea are faced with picking a new club captain.

Antonio Conte stressed the need for new leaders to emerge at Stamford Bridge toward the end of last season. Given Chelsea's difficulties in the transfer market this summer, it looks certain that the next man to be given the armband will come from within the current squad.

ESPN FC states the case for each of the main contenders to take the armband for the reigning Premier League champions.

Gary Cahill

The man who lifted the Premier League trophy with Terry in May is surely in pole position. Cahill was Chelsea's captain on the pitch from September on, adapting well to an unfamiliar role on the left of a back three and defying his many critics to become a key figure in the Blues' title run.

As well as helping to anchor a solid defence, he scored a career-best six goals last term -- most notably a dramatic late winner against Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium in March.

Cahill has won every major domestic and European trophy in five years at Chelsea, has always been a model professional and is widely liked and respected within the dressing room. The only question is whether he can keep his starting spot once Conte has finished bolstering his defensive options this summer.

Gary Cahill is one of the leading candidates to become Chelsea's first new club captain in 13 years.

Cesar Azpilicueta

"Azpi is a really important player for us. I think he can stay here for many years and become also a legend for this club." These were the words of Conte in December just after Azpilicueta had committed to a new contract that keeps him at Chelsea until June 2020.

The quintessential club man, Azpilicueta has found a way to be one of Chelsea's most impressive performers regardless of where managers have deployed him. As a left-back his reliability effectively ended Ashley Cole's career at Stamford Bridge. On the right of a back three, his proximity has calmed David Luiz and helped Victor Moses become a remarkably competent defender at wing-back.

Azpilicueta may not be as vocal as Terry or imposing as Cahill, but he leads by relentless example. He is indispensable primarily because his many qualities make those around him better. He would be a worthy captain.

David Luiz

Taking the armband would be a fitting reward for a season that must be regarded as the greatest individual achievement of Luiz's career.

Re-cast by Conte as a playmaking sweeper in the middle of a back three, the Brazilian's calm consistency and pinpoint passing made fools of everyone who had ever claimed he could not be trusted at the heart of a winning team.

Now 30, Luiz seems to have finally figured out how to fully utilise his spectacular technical gifts without indulging his wildest impulses.

That development alone would be enough to mark him out as a genuine contender for the captaincy, but there is also the fact that his comic persona and light-hearted character have been proven over two spells at Stamford Bridge to transcend all dressing room cliques. Luiz is a unifier.

Many will tell you that great captains need force of personality, and once Diego Costa leaves there will be no bigger personality in the Chelsea squad than Luiz.

Eden Hazard was back to his best form last season as Chelsea recaptured the Premier League title.

Eden Hazard

The simplest way to choose a captain is just to go with the best player. If this is the approach Conte chooses, Hazard is the man for the job.

He does have some leadership experience, having captained Belgium in the absence of Vincent Kompany at Euro 2016. That campaign ended in humiliating defeat against Wales in the quarterfinals, but it was clear to all who watched that Belgium had far more serious problems under Marc Wilmots than who was wearing the armband.

Hazard is not a conventional leader. On the pitch he is silent, inscrutable and at times his body language can be underwhelming. But he does take responsibility for the most difficult job in modern football, shouldering the creative burden of breaking down an organised defence -- and very few do it better.

Chelsea are looking for new ways to embed Hazard into the fabric of the club as Real Madrid's flirtations become more earnest. With this in mind, making him captain might not be the worst idea.

Cesc Fabregas

These days there are few players in the Chelsea squad more popular among supporters than Fabregas, who will likely be remembered as a man who honed his craft at Arsenal, followed his heart to Barcelona and won most of his trophies at Stamford Bridge.

Even last season, relegated largely to the role of impact substitute by Conte, the transcendent playmaking skills of the Spaniard proved decisive. He directly assisted 12 goals in the Premier League, more than any other Chelsea player, despite starting only 13 matches.

Ultimately the biggest argument for Fabregas succeeding Terry is that it would annoy Arsenal, the last club he captained as a 22-year-old. His lack of starts under Conte means he would rarely wear the armband on the pitch, though in terms of ability and achievements he is as deserving of the title as anyone

Real Madrid transfer round-up: Danilo set for Chelsea medical, James joins Bayern, Mbappe update and more

All the latest gossip from in and around the Santiago Bernabeu.

James Rodriguez is now a Bayern player

James chooses Bayern over Man United

James Rodriguez has put an end to one of the longest running transfer sagas of the summer and has signed for Bayern Munich on a 2-year loan deal. According to Sky Sports, Bayern have the option to sign the Colombian at the end of his 2-year loan spell with the reported fee being in the region of £55 million.

Bayern manager Carlo Ancelotti had placed James on top of his transfer wishlist this summer and chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge wasted little time in agreeing a move for the Real Madrid midfielder.

Following the transfer, Rummenigge said: "We're delighted we've been able to complete this transfer. Signing James Rodríguez was our coach Carlo Ancelotti's biggest wish, following their successful spell working together in Madrid.”

James was also linked with a move to Manchester United and Chelsea with Antonio Conte desperate to bring the 2014 World Cup hero to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Wenger admits Mbappe could join Real Madrid

Mbappe has the world at his feet

Arsene Wenger has almost backed out of the race to sign AS Monaco star Kylian Mbappe after admitting that the player alone is in a position to decide his next club. According to reports, Real Madrid, PSG, and Arsenal are the front runners to sign Mbappe this summer with PSG ready to match any bid that comes in for the 18-year-old star.

Despite interest from other clubs, Real Madrid remain the firm favourites to sign Mbappe if he decides to leave Monaco this summer, due to the presence of Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo, the French sensation’s idols.

Aware of this fact, Wenger said: "He's a player who, when he gets up in the morning, can choose where he wants to go. There are not many players with that kind of luck, because he's only 18 years of age and has the whole of Europe rolling out a red carpet for him."

Danilo reaches agreement with Chelsea

Danilo’s Chelsea medical is expected later this week

Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Real Madrid defender Danilo, according to reports from Marca. The Brazilian has been a bit-part player under Zinedine Zidane with Dani Carvajal securing the right-back slot for the Los Blancos.

Marca claims that Chelsea are ready to pay up to £35 million for Danilo and are expected to schedule a medical for the Brazilian this week. Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is expected to have showdown talks with the club officials after losing out on Romelu Lukaku.

Conte wants to strengthen his defence and has asked the club to sign Virgil Van Dijk, Alex Sandro and Danilo. As per the latest reports, Danilo’s signing could be completed before Chelsea open their pre-season campaign against Arsenal on July 22 in China.

Ceballos signs 6-year contract with Real

Ceballos was the top scorer at the Under-21 Championship this summer

Real Madrid have all but completed the transfer of Real Betis midfielder Dani Ceballos, according to the latest reports from AS. Ceballos flew to Madrid after saying his final goodbyes to Betis and both the clubs are expected to settle on a €15 million (£13.2 million) payment.

AS were quick to point out that the Spanish under-21 star rejected a chance to join Barcelona after being impressed by Zinedine Zidane’s inclination to promote young players to the first team. The likes of Marco Asensio, Lucas Vasquez, and Alvaro Morata got regular playing time last season and Ceballos hopes for the same when he signs a 6-year deal with the reigning La Liga and Champions League winners.

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Manchester United name Michael Carrick new captain

With Wayne Rooney reunited with Everton, Manchester United named Michael Carrick as its new captain.

Carrick, 35, moved to United in 2006 from Tottenham. He signed a one-year contract extension with the team in May. United announced his captaincy on Tuesday.

"It feels great and it is such a huge honor to captain such a great club," Carrick told MUTV. "It is my 12th year now and I came as a 25 year old. I never thought I could be here for so long and achieve so much."

"Now, to lead the boys and look after the young boys, to guide them in some ways, it is a nice thing and a real pleasure. I came to this club as a footballer and I am now a huge fan. I have grown to love the club over the years and to be in this position is very special for me."

The veteran played in 38 games last season, including 23 Premier League showings. Carrick has 24 goals in 459 career appearances for United.

United's previous captains are a decorated crew, including: David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and John Terry.

Rooney moved to Everton on Sunday after more than a dozen years with United.

"I'm privileged to be captain of this incredible football club @manutd, I love the place and I'll give everything to achieve more success," Carrick Tweeted Tuesday.

He also had a fond farewell for Rooney on Monday.

"Blew me away by how good he was from day 1. Outrageous. Had ups n downs but what a ride we've been on. Gonna miss him. Good luck Pal #Legend," he tweeted.

Carrick has been a part of five Premier League titles, an FA Cup victory and a Champions League title.

Palace on 1-Year Loan from Chelsea

Crystal Palace completed the loan signing of Ruben Loftus-Cheek from Chelsea on Wednesday, with the Englishman moving to Selhurst Park on a one-year deal.

A statement on the Eagles' official website confirmed the news of Loftus-Cheek's temporary departure from Stamford Bridge.

The midfielder said he hopes the move to Palace will be good for him, per the club's statement: "I had the option of coming to Palace, and I thought that it would be great for me. I live not too far away, I was born in Lewisham and Palace is a good club so I thought it's a good chance to play here and be a part of the team. They have a very strong team and I'd like to be a part of that this season."

Loftus-Cheek, 21, has long been viewed as one of the most talented young prospects in England, per The Telegraph.

However, he was afforded few first-team opportunities by former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, and little has changed since the club appointed Antonio Conte.

In the 2016-17 campaign, Loftus-Cheek played only 31 minutes in the Premier League having been granted 408 minutes of English top-flight action in 2015-16, per WhoScored.com.

It is obvious that the London-born Loftus-Cheek needs more game time than that if he is to make good on his enormous potential.

He will hope to see a lot more action under Palace manager Frank de Boer, and certainly the competition for places in the middle of the park will not be as fierce as it is at Stamford Bridge.

Indeed, Loftus-Cheek should be extremely valuable for the Eagles, as he is a gifted passer of the ball and should work well in the south London outfit's squad. 

Having been given little chance to show his talents at Chelsea, Loftus-Cheek will surely relish the opportunity for more game time at Selhurst Park. 

For their part, Chelsea and their fans will look for Loftus-Cheek to flourish at Palace and return to west London rejuvenated at the end of his loan spell.

Dani Alves: Sorry Pep, I joined PSG to win

Manchester City and Pep Guardiola are reportedly furious at being snubbed by Dani Alves, who claimed he chose Paris Saint-Germain to win.

Dani Alves is presented as a PSG player

Dani Alves has apologised to Pep Guardiola and Manchester City for sensationally snubbing the Premier League club, but claims he has joined Paris Saint-Germain "to be a champion".

Alves had been expected to link up with his former Barcelona coach Guardiola at the Eithad Stadium after securing an early release from his Juventus contract.

Instead, the 34-year-old was presented in the French capital on Wednesday, having opted to join PSG, who finished second behind Monaco in Ligue 1 last season and lost 6-5 to Barca in a thrilling Champions League round-of-16 tie.  

"If Pep Guardiola and Manchester City feel hurt, I am sorry... I have come here to be a champion," Alves told a news conference.

"I've had the pleasure of winning the Champions League three times and I want to bring my experience here."

Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor Pay-Per-View Price Tag Reportedly $99

Those who want to watch the highly anticipated bout between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor will have to pay a good deal of money to do it.

According to Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times, it will cost $99.95 for a high-definition version of the Aug. 26 pay-per-view broadcast. Viewers can choose standard definition for $89.95.

The cost is the same as the PPV price for Mayweather's fight against Manny Pacquiao in May 2015.

According to Darren Rovell of ESPN.com, the bout between Mayweather and Pacquiao brought in $455 million in PPV sales alone. He projected the Mayweather-McGregor match will bring in $475 million.

Former senior vice president of HBO PPV Tammy Ross last month guessed the PPV price tag, per Rovell.

"I think we thought that there wasn't going to be anything like that fight again, but if there was, it would be this one," Ross said. "That's why I think they should put out the $100 price tag again and let Conor's mouth do the talking."

Mayweather and Pacquiao are considered two of the best boxers of their generation, and it took years for them to get in the ring together. McGregor has never competed in a professional boxing match, but he is one of the biggest stars in UFC, and the intrigue surrounding his crossover makes this a unique event.

Keith Idec of Boxing Scene reported in June that while neither competitor is allowed to discuss the purse, Mayweather is expected to take home over $100 million from the upcoming fight and McGregor should get about $75 million.

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic Rumoured to Sign Manchester United Contract Post Knee Surgery

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is expected to sign a second contract with Manchester United once he returns to full fitness in October, according to Warren Haughton of The Sun.

The 35-year-old Swedish striker has been out since April with a knee injury but should be back fit by October ahead of schedule following surgery. United will offer the prolific centre-forward a new short-term deal despite officially releasing him back in June, per Haughton.

Romelu Lukaku hilariously trolls Bailly on Instagram about this picture in training

Romelu Lukaku.

Jose Mourinho is well on his way towards building a side capable of challenging for the Premier League next season.

Last summer, the Portuguese manager signed Eric Bailly, Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan for a grand total of approximately £145 million.

The trio all impressed in bursts throughout the 2016/17 season - especially Bailly - and are expected to continue improving at Old Trafford.

As for this summer, Mourinho has completed moves for Victor Lindelof (£30.75 million from Benfica) and Romelu Lukaku from Everton for £75 million.

Further signings are expected, with Nemanja Matic, Fabinho and Tiemoue Bakayoko all linked with big-money transfers.

One thing Mourinho doesn't need more of in his Manchester United side is height; David de Gea, Marouane Fellaini, Pogba, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Lukaku, Bailly and Lindelof are all at least 6'2" tall.

United have never been a long-ball side, but that style of play could always come in handy if they're in desperate need for a goal.

It's in pre-season training where Mourinho will look to further implement his philosophy and by the looks of it, there is some fun involved, too.

United's players were pictured today on each other's backs taking part in some kind of team building exercise (see below).

Lukaku, being the beast he is, was usually the one carrying his teammates and he's now posted a pretty hilarious picture on Instagram from the drill involving Bailly.

In the post below, Bailly is looking pretty menacingly at Lukaku, to which he joked: "Eric relax we're teammates now💯.. #ThatLookTho.. #MUTOUR #REDROM #MUFC."

There are not many defenders that scare Lukaku, but Bailly has proved over the past year that he isn't one to be messed with.

The Ivorian is expected to partner Lindelof at the heart of United's defence next season in a partnership that boasts speed, strength and aggression.

Reports: Chelsea offered super-striker for £70 million

Chelsea will have to move fast or risk repeating another Romelu Lukaku like situation.

Has Antonio Conte finally found his man?

What’s the story?

Chelsea have had a rollercoaster of a transfer window so far. Having missed out on their #1 target Romelu Lukaku – who joined rivals Manchester United for an initial fee of £75 million rising up to £90 million including add-ons – the Blues completed the signing of AS Roma defender Antonio Rudiger.

The Stamford Bridge outfit have since been linked with a move for Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata but according to Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol (via Express), the Blues have been offered Borussia Dortmund superstar Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and they can sign him for £70 million.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Solhekol said: "We are hearing this morning that Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.  He was the top scorer in Germany last season. He can leave Dortmund this summer for £70million."

In case you didn’t know… 

The reigning Premier League champions have been on the lookout for a striker all summer as current first-choice Diego Costa is set to leave the Blues after falling out with manager Antonio Conte. The Spanish international has been linked with moves to Atletico Madrid and the Chinese Super League but it appears that he is heading back to where he joined Chelsea from 3 years ago.

Aubameyang has established himself as one of the best strikers in the world and managed to pip Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski to become Bundesliga’s top-scorer with 31 goals under his belt. In all, the 28-year-old netted 40 goals for Dortmund last season and was one of the few in the world of football to reach the landmark.

The heart of the matter

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has reportedly informed the Signal Iduna Park outfit of his decision to leave the club and the Bundesliga giants are prepared to honour his request. To this effect, the Gabonese international has been offered to the Blues, while there is also concrete interest in his services from former team AC Milan and some Chinese Super League outfits.

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Author’s Take

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be a quality addition to any team he joins and has the requisite attributes to thrive under Antonio Conte at Chelsea. While Alvaro Morata is a better long-term investment due to his relative young age, he doesn’t possess the goalscoring prowess of Aubameyang, nor is he as quick as the Gabonese. The Blues should go all out to secure the services of the 28-year-old before another European giant hijacks the deal.

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